What Should I Do If My Spouse Files For Divorce Unexpectedly?
It can be tough to respond when your spouse files for divorce unexpectedly. The important thing is to keep a cool head and take steps to protect yourself. That often includes talking to our Morristown divorce attorneys about the next steps.
Do I Need to Talk to a Lawyer If My Spouse Files For Divorce Unexpectedly?
It can be tough to handle a divorce on your own. There’s a lot of paperwork involved, and it can be tough to put your emotions aside so that you can properly address this matter. Additionally, you will be at a major disadvantage if your spouse hires a lawyer and you do not have representation of your own.
So talk to a lawyer and figure out what you should do next. We can help you respond to your spouse after they have filed for divorce unexpectedly.
How Else Can I Prepare When My Spouse Files For Divorce Unexpectedly?
There are some other steps you should take aside from speaking to an attorney. If your spouse has filed for divorce unexpectedly, you may want to:
Gather important documents: You are going to need to have copies of tax returns, bank account statements, and any other documents related to your individual and shared financial situations. Do not try to hide assets. They will be found.
Talk to your spouse: If you are on good terms with your spouse, it may be valuable to talk to them at this stage. You can talk about how you want this process to go and whether you want to use alternatives to litigation, like mediation or collaborative divorce, that could make your split less stressful.
Avoid making big decisions: Do not try to sell the house or make any other big decisions, financial or otherwise, right now.
How Can I Address This With My Kids?
Divorce is almost always going to be a stressful process, but it can be especially difficult to deal with when you have children. It can be tough to tell them what’s happening and how it could affect them. We recommend that you:
- Do your best to maintain stability and their regular routines
- Do not involve your children in any conflicts
- Avoid speaking ill of your spouse in front of your children
- Listen to their fears and concerns
- Make sure that your children know that they can come to you when they want to talk
- Do not use your children as messengers or spies against your soon-to-be former spouse
This is going to be a tough time, but you can make the transition less stressful for your children. You do have control over this.
Contact Our Law Firm
So if your spouse has filed for divorce unexpectedly, do not try to respond on your own. Contact Lazor Rantas, PC and ask to schedule a consultation with our team. We can tell you more about how our experienced divorce attorneys can be of assistance.
